Deadline: January 3, 2020 at 1:40 PM IST
Venue: Bellerive Oval, Hobart
Pitch report
As has been the case in the Australian Premier League so far, the pitch at the Bellerive Oval is expected to create an even contest between batsmen and bowlers. In Ben McDermott’ half-century here last week, there were only 2 fours. He had to rely heavily on running between the wickets to keep the scorecard ticking.
Probable XIs
Hurricanes: D’Arcy Short, Simon Milenko, Cale Jewell, Ben McDermott (c & wk), David Miller, George Bailey, James Faulkner, Nathan Ellis, Clive Rose, Qais Ahmed, Riley Meredith
Heat: Tom Banton, Max Bryant, Chris Lynn (c), Matt Renshaw, Sam Heazlett, Jimmy Pierson (wk), Ben Cutting, Mark Steketee, Josh Lalor, Ben Laughlin, Zahir Khan
NOTE: Pick your fantasy cricket team wisely.
Match prediction
While the Hurricanes have won 2 in 4 matches, Heat have emerged triumphant only once in as many contests. However, both teams go neck and neck in terms of team balance.
Players to watch out for
James Faulkner trapped the batsmen in swing in a rain-affected game against the Stars. He got the ball to move both ways, making the batsman dance to his tune. He finished with figures of 3 for 26. He, however, is yet to do anything significant with the bat.
At the top of the bowing charts for the Hurricanes is Riley Meredith. His 8 wickets have come at an average of 10.50 and economy of 5.7. Not only does he produce catches in the powerplay but also deceives the batsmen at the death.
Qais Ahmed bowled quicker through the air in the previous match, eventually giving away extras through wides. That being said, he will remain Hurricanes’ ace spinner throughout the season. He has picked 6 wickets at 14.6.
D’Arcy Short has scored 2 half-centuries in 4 matches and both came when the team was in trouble. In all he has accumulated 120 runs with a strike rate of 123.7. Meanwhile, his captain Ben McDermott has scored 88 runs including a fighting fifty in a tricky chase of 148 runs.
Neither Chris Lynn nor Matt Renshaw could provide impetus against the Scorchers, eventually skittling out for a mere 109 runs. To put things into perspective, that has been the case thus far. The likes of Ben Cutting, Tom Banton, and Max Bryant have been blowing hot and cold, failing to bat as a cohesive unit. While Renshaw has collected 126 runs, his captain Lynn has managed 3 runs fewer.
Ben Laughlin seems to have found his lost mojo. He bowled a terrific spell of 2 for 32 and followed it up with an entertaining knock of 17 runs including a massive six over cow corner. On the other hand, Zahir Khan has been unlucky with the ball. Despite bowling terrific spells, he has scalped only 4 wickets.
Also, get to know the tips & tricks on how to play fantasy cricket.